Evonik materials improve electric car performance

ESSEN, GERMANY (Feb. 22, 12:30 p.m. ET) – Specialty chemicals company Evonik Industries AG is promoting its work on the creation of the lightweight electric vehicle, the Elise-E.

The battery-powered sports car was developed in partnership with British automaker Lotus Cars and lithium-ion battery firm Li-Tech Battery GmbH.

The body of the Elise-E is made from a sandwich structure that combines a carbon fiber skin with Evonik’s closed cell, structural foam, Rohacell. The vehicle weighs 950 kg., has a power of 150kW, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. The top speed is limited to 120 mph.

“The purpose of the vehicle is to show the automotive industry what can be achieved with our expertise in chemicals,” said Klaus Hedrich, head of Essen-based Evonik’s automotive industry team.